Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins Pleased With His Bowlers For Keeping Joe Root Quiet In The Series

Australian captain Pat Cummins lauded his bowling unit for not allowing England skipper Joe Root to score big runs against them.

Australia have retained the Ashes 2021-22 after holding an unassailable 3-0 lead against their arch-rivals England in the Ashes so far.

Joe Root hasn’t played that match-defining knock: Pat Cummins

Root had a phenomenal year with the bat in 2021 as he scored 1708 runs at an average of 61. However, the England skipper is still searching for his elusive Test hundred in Down Under, which he has been eluded by the Australian bowlers in 23 innings.

In the three Tests, Root is leading the run-charts, having amassed 253 runs from six innings with the help three 50-plus scores with his highest score being 89.

Cummins said that his bowlers have been successful in terms of not allowing Root to play big knocks that he has the potential to do so.

“Yeah, I think he (Root) has been batting really well. But yeah, hasn’t played that match-defining knock which has been great. I think everyone’s bowled really well at him,” Cummins said in a press conference.

“Someone like Cam Green to step up, as a captain, I feel like I’ve got a lot of options to throw at him. That’s what you need when you’re playing against the best players in the world. So, yeah, he’s looked good, it’s up to us to try and keep him quiet. But that’s been a really pleasing part of our bowling attack so far,” he added.

It’s been really tough for England: Pat Cummins

On the second day of the MCG Test, seven cases- three support staff and four family members were detected in the England camp.

England head coach Chris Silverwood was reported to be in close contact with a family member that tested positive. Silverwood will remain unavailable for the fourth Test with assistant coach Graham Thorpe will be in charge of the team management for that game.

Cummins said that it is a tough time for England but expressed his gratitude towards them for making it till Australia despite the COVID-19 situation.

“I think they’ve sacrificed quite a lot to come over here. You know, a couple of weeks quarantine, time away from families. You know, some restrictions on what they can do as opposed to pre-pandemic,” Cummins said.

“And I think them having some positive cases, the coach obviously being away from this game, I think it’s been really tough for them. So we’re just really thankful that they’re out here you know, as part of the series,” he added.

Australia and England will play the fourth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the match begins on Wednesday (January 5).

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